Turkish Airlines has announced an eagerly anticipated new route connecting Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), with a scheduled fuel stop at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Set to commence on November 28, 2024, the new Istanbul-Sydney service marks Turkish Airlines’ first foray into Australia, extending the carrier’s reach to a continent that previously had no direct flights from Turkey.
Initially operating four times per week, the Istanbul-Sydney route will be served by the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with plans to eventually transition the service to the Airbus A350-900 in response to growing demand and to enhance passenger comfort on the long-haul journey. This new route is expected to strengthen Turkish Airlines’ footprint in the Asia-Pacific region while catering to the increasing demand for seamless connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.
Route Details and Schedule
The new service from Istanbul to Sydney will operate with a one-hour stopover in Kuala Lumpur for refueling and crew change. Passengers will remain on the aircraft during this stop, ensuring minimal disruptions and allowing for a quick onward journey to Sydney.
The Boeing 777-300ER will provide a comfortable three-class configuration, offering business, premium economy, and economy seating. Turkish Airlines is leveraging the popularity of its globally recognized business class product on this long-haul route, which features lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, and in-seat entertainment options, enhancing the travel experience for premium passengers.
Turkish Airlines’ new route will initially operate on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday schedule, allowing for easy connection options for both business and leisure travelers. Turkish Airlines expects demand to be high given the convenience of a one-stop service from Europe and the Middle East to Australia. The flight schedule is as follows:
This service will provide one of the fastest one-stop travel options from Europe to Sydney, tapping into an underserved market with limited connectivity options for passengers traveling to and from Turkey and neighboring regions.
Strategic Importance for Turkish Airlines
This new route to Sydney reflects Turkish Airlines’ strategic expansion plan, particularly as the airline continues to position Istanbul as a premier transit hub linking Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and now Australia. Turkish Airlines’ new Istanbul Airport base supports an extensive network with an optimal geographic position for one-stop connectivity across continents. The Istanbul-Sydney route also bolsters the airline’s ambition to be a leader in long-haul connectivity and enhance its standing in the Asia-Pacific market.
As Australia becomes an increasingly popular destination for business, tourism, and education, Turkish Airlines anticipates strong demand from European travelers looking for a seamless journey to Sydney. This route also meets the travel needs of the large Turkish and European communities living in Australia, allowing for direct, hassle-free connectivity for family and business visits.
The route also provides an additional option for Australian travelers visiting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, who will benefit from Turkish Airlines’ robust European and Middle Eastern network, which includes over 120 destinations across the region. As demand grows, Turkish Airlines aims to evaluate the potential of increasing flight frequency and exploring direct flight options.
Enhanced Fleet and Service for Long-Haul Travel
While the route will launch with the Boeing 777-300ER, Turkish Airlines intends to upgrade to the Airbus A350-900 on the Istanbul-Sydney service in 2025. The A350, with its advanced fuel efficiency and modern cabin features, aligns with Turkish Airlines’ commitment to providing sustainable and comfortable long-haul travel. The aircraft offers reduced cabin pressure, advanced humidity control, and a quieter cabin, enhancing passenger comfort on this 20+ hour journey.
Both the 777 and A350 aircraft will offer Turkish Airlines’ award-winning in-flight service, including Turkish-inspired cuisine curated by the airline’s “Flying Chefs” in business class and special regional menus in economy class. Passengers can enjoy a comprehensive entertainment selection featuring the latest movies, television shows, and music playlists, as well as access to high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi.
Business class passengers on this route will also benefit from Turkish Airlines’ world-renowned airport lounges, with facilities in both Istanbul and Sydney offering comfortable seating, fine dining options, and dedicated workspaces. Additionally, passengers departing from Istanbul will have the option to experience the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Istanbul Airport, one of the most luxurious airport lounges in Europe, known for its diverse amenities, including a cinema room, private suites, and a gaming area.
Competitive Advantage and Market Potential
Turkish Airlines’ entry into the Australian market places it in direct competition with major carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines, which already offer one-stop services between Europe and Australia. Turkish Airlines’ extensive route network, competitive fares, and premium service offerings aim to position the airline as a strong contender in this high-demand market.
The airline is optimistic that demand for the Istanbul-Sydney route will continue to grow, driven by increasing business ties, tourism, and educational travel between Europe and Australia. Turkish Airlines’ entry into this market further supports Turkey’s tourism industry by providing an additional gateway for Australian travelers interested in exploring Istanbul and other Turkish destinations.
Bottom line
With this new route, Turkish Airlines takes a significant step in strengthening its position as a global airline and opening Australia to its already expansive network. The Istanbul-Sydney route highlights the airline’s ambition to be a competitive player in the Asia-Pacific region and provide travelers with more choices for long-haul connections.
As Turkish Airlines looks to establish its presence in the Australian market, the airline is expected to monitor passenger demand closely, potentially increasing the flight frequency or even adding other destinations in Australia if demand warrants. The airline’s investment in expanding its network and deploying advanced aircraft on these routes showcases Turkish Airlines’ commitment to both service excellence and operational efficiency.
